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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive


Left patch contributed by John Pastula, center patch contributed by Tommy Trampp, right patch contributed by Don McGrogan, BMCS, USN Ret. - Popular Patch

USS Tarawa (LHA-1)

Photo Collection of John Pastula FTG1 USN (plankowner)

Photos by John Pastula unless otherwise noted
Tarawa
USS Tarawa (LHA-1) undergoing shock trials off San Clemente Island, CA., circa 1977-78
US Navy photo by PH Scott Hill
Tarawa
USS Tarawa (LHA-1) in drydock at Naval Shipyard Long Beach, CA., circa 1977 -78 after shock trials at San Clemente Island, CA.
Tarawa
USS Tarawa (LHA-1) NATO Sea Sparrow launch, circa 1977-78, under way tests before 1979 deployment.
Tarawa
USS Tarawa (LHA-1) NATO Sea Sparrow launch, circa 1977-78, under way tests before 1979 deployment. Note the “Eagle of the Sea”, created by FTM3 Steve Klontz, image on side of the launcher. All of the ship's launchers, gun mounts ,etc, were adorned with this image.
Photo by Joe Reed FTM1.
Tarawa
USS Tarawa (LHA-1) NATO Sea Sparrow launch, circa 1977-78, under way tests before 1979 deployment. Note the “Eagle of the Sea”, created by FTM3 Steve Klontz, image on side of the launcher. All of the ship's launchers, gun mounts ,etc, were adorned with this image.
Photo by Joe Reed FTM1.
Tarawa
Gun shoot, from 08 level TDT (Target Designation Transmitter), basically test of manual gun control, 1978.
Tarawa
Mishap hitting a columniation tower while docking in San Diego, circa 1978,
Tarawa
USS Tarawa (LHA-1) off the coast of Thailand 1979.
Photo by John Smith FTG1.
Tarawa
One of USS Tarawa (LHA-1)'s helicopters recovers a downed aircraft from a rice paddy in Malaysia in 1979.
Tarawa
USS Tarawa (LHA-1) at anchor in the harbor at Hong Kong in 1979.
Photo by John Smith FTG1.
Tarawa
GMG3 Frank Harper, with a 5”-54 mount reflected in his sun glasses, Westpac ‘79
Tarawa
5”54 with the “Eagle of the Sea” logo painted by FTM3 Steve Klontz, Westpac ‘79
Tarawa
A 5” round carried by the G DIv chief petty officer, wearing the original Silver logo/blue Tarawa hat design, Westpac ‘79
Tarawa
Music day at sea, Westpac '79, (Tarawa Jam 1), FTM3 Joe Arelt on base
Tarawa
LTjgs Mark Lunny (left) and Mike Kuntz through the safety netting, Westpac '79,
Tarawa
LTjg. Mark Lunny providing a tour for some several admirls of the Fire Control system, circa 1978
Tarawa
Skeet shooting off the flight deck
Tarawa
Radar display entering Subic Bay, Philippines. AN/SPQ-9 Fire Control radar, sometimes used to aid navigation. Westpac '79
Tarawa
Marine AV-8A "Harrier"s on the flight deck of USS Tarawa. Westpac '79
Tarawa
A Marine Corps AV-8A "Harrier" jet takes off from the flight deck of USS Tarawa (LHA-1) during ship's 1979 deployment.
Tarawa
VMA 231 AV-8A "Harrier" jets staged on USS Tarawa's flight deck, Westpac '79
Tarawa
VMA 231 AV-8A "Harrier" jet just about airborne, Westpac '79
Tarawa
Marine AV-8A "Harrier"s on the flight deck of USS Tarawa. Westpac '79
Tarawa
A Marine Corps AV-8A "Harrier" jet takes off in the rain from the flight deck of USS Tarawa (LHA-1) heading back to MCAS Cherry Point N.C. near the end of ship's 1979 deployment.

Shellback initiation Westpac '79, "Crossing the line"
Tarawa Tarawa
Kissing the Royal Baby's belly
Tarawa Tarawa Tarawa
FTG3 Tom Utych emerging from the garbage chute
Tarawa
FTG3 George Mackris was our "beauty queen" rep for F DIV

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